Parachute pack



El H. NlcHoLs 899,713

PARACHUTE PACK Filed Nov. 1929 6 sheets-shef- 1 Feb. 28, 193,3..

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urrrrn u 1 l Feb. 2 8, 1933: E. H. NICHOLS PARACHUTE PACK Filed NOV. 7,1929 ATTORNEYS.

Feb. 28,'"1933, E. H. NICHOLS PARCHUTE PACK Filed Nov. 7, 1929 6Sheets-Sheet 3 ya; I i

ATTOREYS.

Feb 15933. E. H. NICHOLS 1.5899313 y PARACHUTE PACK Filed Nov. v, 192s esheets-aqu 4 Erwin H Ninhnls.

ATTORNEYS.

Patented Feb. 28, 1933 UNlgTED STATES PATENT orifice" nawnr nous:mcnorsfor aaooxs rum, razas, aa'srelon 'ro :avute am cmrrn' ,l

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This invention relates to improvements in parachute apparatus.

The primary ob]ect of this invention is the provision of an vimprovedparachute pack 5 which includes a flexible or semi-flexible containeradapted to releasably' house a parachute in a compactly folded positiontherein; the container comprisin a body with one or vmore flapsconnected t erewith, and a releasable flexible closure having animproved ri -cord assemblage associated therewith w ereby the containeris insured against accidental opening, but is easily and quickly openedfor quicker release of the parachute therein than is possible withstandard parachut-e uipment such as set forth in U. S. Patents os.1,340,423; 1,554,192, and 1,560,- 366.

A further object of this invention is the provision of parachuteapparatus, in ack form, of the general type set forth in S. Patent1,554,192, but embodying improvements thereover, in the nature of areleasable closure which enables a ilot parachute to be ejected fasterand fart er from the pack, upon opening of the latter, than is possiblewith standard arachute equipment.

A further object of this 'invention is the provision of improvements in,parachute packs which includes a flexible or semi-ilexible containeradapted to releasably house thel parachute; the container having.closure means, such as flaps and the like, to which the rip cordapparatus or operating means is connected in such a relation that thecontainer closure is pulled quickly out of the way of the ejectingparachute upon a release opening of the container.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improvedparachute container of the flexible pack type nerally'set forth inPatent N o. 1,554,192, em ying im rovements thereover in the provisionof a etachable closure adapted to releasably cooperate with flaps of thecontainer," and with rip cord apparatus, so as to eliminate stiifeningmeans inthe flaps of the container, and do away with conventionalcontainer flap opening elastics and housings and eyes therefor,

such as is part of standard equipmentof United StatesGovernmentfparachute appa-I ratus, as set forth in U. Sp. Patent Nos.1,462,- 456 and 1 554,192. 1

A runter object @finis invention is ai provision of improved rip cordmeans for parachute apparatus, of the k type.

A further object of this invention is the provision vof an elastic'means for safetying the rip cord of a parachute pack to prevent theaccidental o nin thereof.

A further object o this invention is the provision of an improvedparachute pack which enables a more eilicient and expeditious packingand tucking away-of the mainand pilot arachutes. a

A urther object of this invention is the provision of improved parachuteapparatus l utilizing a rip cord construction which upon a release pullis not detached from the parachute apparatus worn b the user.

Other objects and a vanta vention will be a parent during the course ofthe following dbtailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, andwherein similar reference characters designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views, Figure 1 is a plan view ofthe parachutepack, showing it in its closed condition.

Figure 2- is a plan view of the parachute pack, in its closed condition,showing the guard flaps open for exposing the detent re- Figure 3 is aplan view of the parachute pack, showin the same with animprovedreleasable pate or covering member removed from the pack, andexposing the pilot parachute in its packed condition in the container.

Figures 4 and 5 are cross sectional views taken substantially on theirrespective lines .in Figure 3 of the drawings', and additionallation ofthe rip cord upon the pack containlly showing the cover, not shown inFigure 3. I

plan view of the inside of f proved closure patch or cover of theparachute pack, with the guard flaps opened.

Figure 9 is a plan View of the under side of the closure of Figure 8.

Figure 10| is a fragmentary plan view of the improved 'rip cord. 1 L

In'the drawings,where1n for'the purpose of illustration is shown only apreferred emhodirnent of the invention, theletter A may generallydesignatethe completeparachute release of the container by means of therip cord. An improved rip cord E is used for maintaining the containerreleasably closed and holding the main and pilot parachutes therein.

Referring to the container B, the same possesses the generalcharacteristics set forth in U. S. Patent No. 1,554,192, and includes aback or bodyT port-ion 15, which may be of any.

shape, but is preferably rectangular. The material of the container -Bis preferably textile Woven fabric, water-proof if desired. The body 15has a wire frame 16 co-extensive therewith, secured in place within apocket formed by sewing an inside flexible fabric Wall 17 in place aboutthe margins of the back or body portion v15, as shown in Figure 7 of thedrawings. -This wire frame may be removable if desired, and it holds theback of the container in shape, upon which the details may be assembledto provide the pack. End flaps 19 and 20 are provided at opposite edgesof the body or back of the pack container B, as shown in Figures 6 and7. Similarly side or end aps 21 and 22 may be provided at the remainingopposite sides of the back portion 15. These flaps 19 to 22 inclusivemay be suitably reinforced about their margins, and of course areflexible so that they may be folded about and upon the folded parachuteupon the back 15. The end flaps 19 and 20 at the sides thereof may beprovided with suitable auxiliary flaps or tongues 23, for folding insideof the container along the insides ofthe flaps 21 and 22, to providebuilt-up corners for the pack, although this is a feature which has beenset forth in U.S. Patent N o. 1,554,192, above mentioned. y

The end flaps 19 and 2O arel provided with fiexible separator flaps 25,hinged at 26 near the free marginal portions of the flaps 19 and 20,'and which flaps 25 are provided to overlap upon the main parachute, when-the Acontainer is folded thereabout, to separate the pilot parachutefrom the main parachute. Y

The container B may otherwise contain conventional features, and it haspocket providing strips 27 paralleling adjacent to the connecting edgesof the aps 19 and 20, for receiving the ends of the shroud .lines in areleasably tucked relation therein, in a manner which is well known inthis art. Furthermore, the outer surface of the pack container B may beprovided withreinforcing corner pieces 28 and harness attaching loops 29on the. back or body 15.

Referring to the above described arrangement of the pack container, themain parachute is of course packed upon the inside of the back or body15, and the flaps 19 to 22 are folded about the sides; the flaps 19 and20 beingfirst folded in position and then the other end aps 21 and 22.In contradistinction to the container of the standard formv 'it is to benoted that the free ends of the opposing sets of ila s 19 and 20, and 21and 22, do not meet, as s own in Figure 3. Thus,

the said flaps are of only such length from their connected ends on thebody 15 to their free ends that they will enfold about the sides andpartially overlap the parachute. This leaves an openin in the centralportion of the container Whic is adapted to be releasably closed by thedetachable closure piece 30, shown in Figures 8 and 9 of "the drawings,and in positionin Figures 1 and 2. This closure has a four-point releaseconnection. To this end, the end flaps 19 and 20, as is shown in Fi ure6 of the drawings, are each provided with pairs of spaced taperedprojections 431, constituting'the stud portions of releasable fasteners,lwhich are adapted to cooperate within rommet or eyelet fastener parts32 provide in pairson the outer or free portions of each of the flaps 21and 22, as shown in Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings. about the mainparachute and,.kthereafter the flaps 21 and 22 are folded about thepacked main parachute and the eyelets 32 slipped over the rojections 31.On the normal outer face of he pack this provides a four-point releasefastening arrangement, for the flaps of the container, as is'well shownin Figure 3 of the drawings. Of course, the projections 31 fit throughthe eyes 32; the projections being each provided with transverseopenings 33 therethrough, for receivin a pin portion of the rip cord, asa means o? holding the flaps together,since the latter are underconsiderable tension when the parachute is packed therein. These pinshave been omitted from the showing in Fi re 3. In the position of partsshown in igure 3, as can better be understood-from Fi re 4, the innertongues or flaps 25 have n folded over the main parachute C, across theros sired. However, when used as a back vlla resume 4opening between thefacing free ends of the -llaps 19 to 22 inclusivefthus closing olf the 1Figure 3 of the drawings. l t

this point it ma be well to mention that the improved pack 1s adapted tobe used as a seat, When used as a seat or lap type the flap 21 will beat the side of the wearer, as may also be the case when used as a chestpack if d ac the flap 21 will face upwardly'at the ack of the wearer.

Referrin to the closure 30, the same is of rectangu ar shape, andcomplementa] with the flaps 19 to 22 inclusive, in providing a completecontainer for compact y positioning the parachutes therein. t isdetachable with respect to the container, and is attachable to thecontainer only throu h the intermediary ofthe releasable fastening parts31 and 32, andvof course the rip cord E. As shown in Figures Sand 9 ofthe drawings, the patch or closure consists of a flexible polygonal bodyportion 35, preferably in rectangular form, which has marginalreinforcing strips 36 extending along opposite sides thereof, andthrough which, and the body 35, grommets or eyelets 37 are provided, atthe corners of the body 35, in a properly s aced relation for receivinAthe stud por- `t1ons 31 of the fastening devices of the pack containertherein, when the pack is in the form shown in Figure 3. This body rtionis held upon the pack container an closes the same and covers the pilotparachute; being held in place by the rip cord pins in a manner to besubsequentl detailed. Guard flaps 38 and 39 are secure as by stitching40* upon the body 30 along a line about mi way between the fasteningdevices 37, extending -in opposite directions and ada ted to cooperatewith other flexible guard aps 40 and 41v respectivel which are hinged orsecured at 42 along t e opposite margins of the body 35. The flaps 38and 40 are provided with complementary snap fastener portions 46thereon, of the manually operated springfriction lift the dot type, andsimilarly the portions 39 and 41 have complementary li the dot snapfastener parts .47 for securing the saine. These uard flaps are providedfor the purpose o protecting the .fastener parts of the pack containeragainst injury, and for housing the two fastening links 50 and 51 of therip cord E, against accidental remova and from direct contact withclothin oft e wearer, or other foreign parts.

teferring to the rip cord E, the same inack,1ap, chest, or other type ofpack.

vend retaining pins 5 cludes a handle 52, which may be of the ring type,or of the type set forth in application. Serial'No. 319,934, iiled inthe U. S. Patent Ollice November 16, 1`928. To the handle 52 is attacheda length 53, of flexible ri cord wire or other material, as at 54. At te end of the body 53`of therip cord, opposite the handle 52, the links50 'and 51 are attached at a connection 55, which may be of the usual tpe of wound wire and soldered connection. us,the flexible rip cord is ofa bifurcated end construction. Each of the flexible rip cord'portions 50and 51 are provided with similarly positioned preferably rigid, free v7, secured at 58 near the connection 55, the same extendin outwardly ina general direction of the ree ends of the flexible portions 50 and 51.The latter at their free ends are provided with other free end,preferably rlgid, retaining pins '59, secured at 60. On the flexibleportions of the rip cordlinks 50 and 51, between the pins 57 and 59,each of said links 50 and 51 is' provided with a pair of relativelyspaced loops or eyes 62 and 63, respectively adjacent the retaining pins57 and 59, as can be seen from Figure 10 of the drawings.

Referrin to the attachment of the rip cord upon t e pack, the flap 21upon the outer side thereof is provided with a substantiallyfrusto-conical shaped pocket 70, which is secured by stitching 71 and 72at oppositel sides thereof; the lines of stitching 71 and 72 relativelyconverging from the free end of the flap 21 in the direction of theconnection of the said flap with the `body 15, as

"70, defines a pocket upon the outer side of the ila 21, which is openat 74 and 75; the latter eing the larger end and facing the free end ofthe flap 21.

A flexible rip cord housing 8O is provided, the same being of thearmoured metal type, longitudinally flexible, but not radiallycollapsible, and is adapted to receive the body portion 53 of the ripcord E therethrough. The housing 8O is secured upon the flap 21, as bylooping stitched thereto, at 81, in Figure 5; the end which is attachedbeing extended vthrough the smaller end 74 beneath the pocket flap 70.The longitudinally flexible housing 80 and rip cord handle may extend toany convenient location upon the apparel or harness of the wearer. As isshown lin Figure .2, the bifurcated rip cord has the and 59 of the otherflexible portion 51 of the rip cordextendingthrough the transverseopenings 33 of the studs 31 of the container flap 20. Of course, thestuds 31 are extended lo the guard flaps 38 and 39 overlap the guard thecontainer B.

flaps 40 and 41 respectively, and cooperate with the tapered pocket .70in completely housing the rip cord at its connection upon As an improvedfeature of parachute fastener construction, each of the links 50 and -51of the parachute rip cord are provided with an elastic safetying member90, the ends of which have fastening hooks or similar devices 91thereon, adapted to hook over the fastening eyes 62 and 63. Theseelastics 90 are longitudinally eXtensible, and the material may berubber, fabric coated to protect the same against deterioration.Flexible fabric loops or other fastening parts 92 are secured upon thebody portion 35 of the closure 30, close to those eyelets 37 whichreceive the cones 31 that are adapted to slip through the eyelets of theflap 22. These lo ops 92 have the elastics 90 slipped therethrough, thesaid elastics 90 being placed under tension and hooked over the eyes 62and 63; it being obvious that the tensioning of the same will pull therip cord portions 50 and 51 longitudinally of their respective axes, ina direction away from the rip cord handle, for urging the pins 57 and 59in a non-release direction into the studs 31. It is'to be noted that theelastics 90 are under considerable tension. The wire material of the ripcord is of the conventional type that has been in use for years. Whileit will flex under certain forces, yet it is of sufficient inherentrigidity so as not to collapse upon the application of the pull of theelastics 90.

As to the operation of the pack, the usual ,procedure is for the wearer,1n making a premeditatcd or emergency Jump, to leap from the aircraft,and when sufficiently spaced from the aircraft to manuall pull the ripcord handle 52. This pulls t e rip cord body 53 longitudinally throughlthehousing 80, counter to the normal tendency ofthe safetying elastics90. The pull will be sufficient to further tensionthe elastics 9() andrelease the pins 57 and 59 .from the transverse openings of therespective studs 31 in which seated. The operators pull is sufficientthat the manual effort will com# pletely throw the flap 21 into its openpositiony away from the packed parachute, and the cover flap 30 nowhaving been released from the container B, will be quickly andautomatically collapsed `by reason of the pre-existing tension of theelastics 90, and

`will throw the pilot parachutes for a greater distance than the. pilotparachute under similar conditions used with the standard form ofgovernment pack, and resulting in a quicker and more effective openingof the pilot parachute. The effort used by the operator in releasing thepack by pulling the vrip cord, will, due to the fact that the flap 21 ismanually thrown open, cause a quicker ejection of the pilot parachute.

It is to be particularly noted that the pilot parachute D may be packeddifferently than shown in Figure 3, since if a spring operated pilotparachute is not used, it may be desired to `place the colla sed pilotparachute'within the opening ounded by the free edges of the four flaps19 to 22 of the parachute, merely covering the same with the detachableclosure patch 30, and thus leaving the pilot parachute free of anyobstruction whatsoever by flaps of the container when the operator haspulled upon the rip cord so as to throw the flap 21 and closure 30laterally out of the Way of the pilot parachute.

From an operation of the imp-roved parachute pack it results that thepilot parachute, in event one is used, is thrown with greater speed, andfarther, than a pilot parachute as used with the standard form of packnow in use, as exemplified in the U. S. Patent #1,554,192 abovementioned. The feature of connecting the rip cord in the relationdescribed to one of the flaps of the container and so that the coverflap 30 is removable upon manual pull of the rip' cord, out of the wayof the contents of the patch 30 toquickly throw it aside as soon as therip cord is pulled. The improved arrangement of pack and container partsenablesv the parachute to be more efficiently packed and tucked away.Also, due to the connection of the. rip cord and its connection by meansof the elastics with the removable closure flapv 30, neither the latternor the rip cord will be lost upon an opening of the parachute, and thisis an advantage, since with the present standard parachute pack, the ripcord is almost al ways detached and lost. Wide spacing of the releasepoints upon the pack, Aas exemplified in the four-point release permitsthe Various changes in the shape, size, and

arrangement of parts may be made to the forni of invention herein shownand described, without departing from the spirit of the'invention or thescope of the claims. I claim: l 1. A container or .cover for a parachutemade of flexible material and comprising a body portion having marginalflaps thereabout, a semi-rigid rame co-extensive with and holding thebody ortion in shape for i packing ofa arachutet ereon, and adetacha'blecover, t e cover and aps only having cooperative fastener parts thereon,and means for releasably connecting the fastener parts for holding thecover and flaps in container formation for compactly housing theparachute therein u on said body.

2. In a parac ute pack the combin-ationof a container a. parachute forthe container, and releasable fastening means for closing the containerupon the parachute including a rip cord, and extensible elastic meansconnecting the rip cord with the container and urging the rip cord in asafetied retaining relation with the remainder of the fastening means. al

3. In a parachute. pack the combination of a container including a bodyortion and flexible flaps, a` detachable flexi le cover, a plurality of,fastening devices including complementary male and female parts solelyconnected with the free ends of the iexiblek Aflaps and said cover, anda rip cord device for operating theV fastener devices to release" thecover from said'liaps.

4. In a parachute pack the combination of aA container having arachuteenclosing iaps, a detachable ilexib e cover, a plurality of fasteningdevices including complemen- .tar male and female parts connected solelywit the free ends of the flaps and said cover,

a rip cord device for operating the fastener `devices to release thecover from said fiaps.

said rip cord device having a connection with one of the flaps forthrowing the latter positively open upon release pull of the ri cord.

5. In a parachute pack the combination of a container having parachuteenclosing flaps, a detachable cover, a plurality of fas- -.teningdevices including complementary male and female parts connected with thefree ends of the flaps and said cover, a rip cord device for operatingthe fastener devices .e latter positively open-,upon release pu of therip cord, said rip cord device having a means.

positive connection with said cover for moving the latter away from thecontainer in an unobstructed relation with respect to the parachute tobe released therefrom.

6. In a parachute ack the combination of a container includin aparachute housiig portion provided with cooperating aps a apted toreleasably fold about a main parachute, 'a detachablev cover, meansreleasably connecting the detachable cover and flaps in a container-likearrangement, av ilot parachute in the container immediatey beneath thecover and having au operative connection with the main parachute, saidreleasing means including a rip` cord havin a positive connection withthe cover for drawing the latterl in unobstructed relation oif the pilotparachute as an i'ncident of pull of the rip cord to open the container.

7.xIn a rachute packV the combination of a .container including aparachute housiitig portion provided with coo erating'flaps a apted toreleasably fold a ut a main parachute, a detachable cover meansreleasably connecting the detachable coverand flaps in a container-likearrangement, a pilot parachute in the container immediately beneath thecover and having an operative connection with the main parachute, saidreleasing means includin a rip cord having a positive connection witflithe cover for drawing the latter in unobstructed relation of the pilotparachute as an incident of pull of the rip. cord to open the container,and means providin v a connection of the rip cord with one of said flapsfor moving said fla together with the cover laterali awa rom thefoldedparachute upon p of t eri cord. 8. In a parachute pack thecombination of a container adapted to house a folded parachute' thereinincluding aj-flexible detachable cover portion,w fastening means for 1releasably lfastening -thecover with thecon-fA tainer, and elastic meansto colla thecover upon a releaseoperation of said fastening 'thecombination'- 9. In aparachute pack of a body upon `which a foldedarachute isv adapted to be packed marginal exible flaps connected aboutbody, the same being relatively short and adapted to fold laterallyabout the folded parachute and over upon the parachute oplposite thebody, with opposed aps having t cir free ends spaced, auxiliaryseparating pieces over the main parachute in the space between the freeends iis of said flaps and folded in container-like arrangement upon themain parachute, a pilot parachute resting in said space, a closuremember releasably connected with the free ends of said'ilaps and housingthe pilot parachute therebeneath, releasing means including a ripA cordfor removing the cover and opening the flaps, meansto collapse the coverupon-release4 of the same, and means -bination o 6l y coinectin the ripcord 'with a. flap for mov- 1n fo ded parachute lupon releasel `of thecon- 10. In a rachute pack container the comfp; body, lla smarginallyconnected about the body, sai flaps being mherentl flexible, alexibleand colla ible cover smal er-than saidbody, and a p urality offastenbodyA and container and urgin :ing devices releasably connectingonl tent pin, and an extensl the free ends of the flaps and the cornerso said coyer and being free of any connection with said body.

11. In a arachute pack container the combination o a body, flamarginally connected about the body, sai flaps being inherentlyflexible, a llexible and colla sible cover smaller than said body, and ap urality of fastening devices releasably connecting only the ends ofthe ila s and the corners of said cover with a our-point releaseconnectlon.

l2. As an article of manufacture, a ripA cord including a body rovidedwith a de- 'ble elastic safetyilndg cord connected with the body of theripco 13. As an article of manufacture a.l rip cord device includin aflexible body provided with a' detent'pin thereon, and an elas-.tic's'afetying cord having means for connect- "ing its ends on thebody.

14. In parachute pack container fastening devices the .combination of acontainer having complementary closure parts, one prov1 e d with aneyelet and the other with a stud releasably extensible into the eyelet,the stud having a transverseopenin therein at the end which extendsbeyond t e eyelet, a flexible wire rip cord including a detent pin.extensible thro h the opening of the stud, and an elastic sa etyln cordconnected under .line of the pack, arip cord including ilexible wireportions' rovided lv vith detent ins for fastening evices and elastic saet ing devices connected the pack and said rip cord for holding thedetent pins in a -retaining relation with said fastening devices.

. 16. In a rip cord the combination of a flexible wire hody havingdetent pins thereon, an elonga elastic safetying member,

.and means connectin the ends of said mem- -ber upon the wire 4 y, oneof said ends at least having a detachable connection with said body.

17. lIn a parachute container a semi-rigid body upon which a foldedparachute is adapt.

said ap laterally out of the way of the ed to rest, shortnexible capsmarginally am.r

nected in a polygonal relation about the body.

for folding thereover, a detachable flexible cover, and complementaryfastening4 portions free of direct attachment with said body anddetachably connectin' the free ends of .the flaps together with t ecorners of said v cover. l i

18. In a parachute container a semi-rigid body upon which a foldedparachuteis adapted to rest, short flexible flaps marginally connectedin a polygonal relation aboutthe body for folding thereover, adetachable flexible cover, complementary fastening portions free ofdirect attachment with said body and detachably connecting the free endsof the flaps together with the corners of said cover, v

f flaps when enfolded about 'a parachute having the free edges thereofrelatively s aced v locking studs mounted upon the free e ges o saidflexible ila a detachable flexible cover for enclosing t e space betweenthe facing edges of thellaps when in container form, said flexible coverhaving eyelets for-receiving said studs therethrough, the studs havingtransverse openings exposed as extended through the eyelets of saidcover, and ri cord means for releasable extension throng the openingsofsaid studs for releasabl retainin the cover connected upon said aps.

20. n a parachute container the combination of a main container portioncomprising a main body having opposed sets lof flexible flaps at themarginal edges thereof, one of said sets of said flaps having the freeedges thereof provided with transversely apertured studs, the other setof opposed flaps having eyelets at the free edges thereof'for receivingthe studs therethrough when the l'laps are all overfolded upon the bodportion, said aps being of a length to be re atively spaced from eachother at their facing edges when overfolded upon the body of the maincontainer portion with a compacted parachute therein, a detachableflexible cover piece having eyelets vfor receiving the studstherethrough, and rip cord means associated with said studs and eyeletsfor releasably maintaining the cover piece and flaps in a connectedparachute lenclosing' relation, said studs and e elets being free of anyconnection with the body of the main container ortion whatsoever.

` 21. In a parac ute pack, a parachute folded into a compact mass, amain container rtion receiving the parachute mass therem, a detachableflexible cover complementary loo.,

Laconia with tile main container portion for coinpletely enclosingtheparachute mass, a series of releasable fastening devices connecting themain container portion and flexible cover in a parachute mass enclosingrelation, a rip cord, means mounting the rip cord upon the maincontainer portion for limited movement thereon merely sufficient toenable a release opening of the container, said rip cord havinreleasable cooperative connection with said releasable fastening devicesfor holding the flexible cover and main container portion in a parachuteenclosingrelation, and safetyinff means directly connecting the rip cordwith the flexible cover.

22. In a parachute pack, a parachute folded into a compact mass, a maincontainer portion receiving the parachute mass therein, a detachableflexible cover complementary with the main container portion forcompletely enclosing the parachute mass, a series of releasablefastening devices connecting the main container portion and flexiblecover in a parachute mass enclosing relation, a rip cord, means mountingthe rip cord upon the main container portion for limited movementthereon merely sufficient to enable a release opening of the container,said rip cord having releasable cooperative connection with saidreleasable fastening devices fox holding the flexible cover and maincontainer portion in a parachute enclosing relation, safetying meansdirectly connecting the rip cord with the flexible cover, said safetyingmeans being elastic and permitting movement of the rip cord sufficientto release said fastening devices for opening of the container.

23. In a parachute pack container the combination of a main containerportion formed of flexible material comprising a body portion withmarginally extending flexible flapsl thereabout, a wire frameco-extensive with said body portion and holding the same in semi-rigidcondition, said flexible flaps having releasable fastenin studsandeyelets at the free edges thereo for interconnection when the flaps arefolded over the body portion for housing a parachute therein, said flapsin dimension being such that when folded over the body portion the freeedges of oppositely facing flaps will be relative y spaced to provide asubstantially central opening in the main container portion at the sideof the container where said flaps are folded, a flexible closure piecehaving fastening eyelets for interconnection with the fastening de`vices of said flaps, and rip cord means for releasably holding thefastener parts of said flaps and closure together, said fastener partsbeing free of any connection whatsoever with the body portion of themain container'portion.

24. In a parachute pack the combination of an enclosing. containerhaving closure parts provided with'interengaging studs and eyeets, saidstuds being transversely apertured,

a flexible rip cord having pins for extension through the a ertures ofthe studs for reand intermediate its ends having posed sets, one of saidopposed sets on each of the flaps thereof havmg a pair of transverselyapertured studs, the flaps of the other set havin eyelets therein forreceivin studs, sai flaps when enfolded over the ody portion havingtheir facing edges relatively spaced to provide a small opening intosaid container, and when so arranged the studs andeyelets defining afour-point release in rectangular arrangementya'v flexible closure parthaving eyelets at the corners thereof in rectangular arrangement forreceiving the the studs therethrough to yclose the opening tol the mainportion of said container, and a single rip cord device includingflexible branch extensions with locking pins releasably engaging throughsaid studs for retaining the eyelets of the flaps and cover assembledand the container enclosed.

26. In a parachute container the combination of a main container portioncomprising a body having flexible flaps marginally thereabout, said apsbeing `in substantially opposed sets, one of said opposed sets on eachof the flaps thereof'havin'g a pair of transversely apertured studs, theflaps of the other -set havin eyelets therein for receiving the studs,sai flaps when enfolded over the body portionvhaving their facing edgesrelatively spaced to provide a small opening into said container, andwhen so arranged they studs and eyelets defining a four-point release inrectangular arrangement, a flexible closure part havin eyelets at thecorners thereof in rectangu ar arrangement for receiving the studstherethrough to close the opening to the main portion of said container,a single rip cord I device including flexible branch extensions withlocking ins releasably engaging through said stu s for retaining theeyelets of the liapsand cover assembled and the container enclosed, andauxiliary guard flaps on the flexible cover for housing the rip cordportions and their connections with the studs and eyelets therein.

27. In a parachute container the combination of a main container portioncomprising a body having flexible flaps marginally thereabout, said apsbein in substantially opposed sets, one of sai opposed sets on eachportion having their facing edges of the flaps thereof having a'pair oftransversely apertured studs, the aps of the other set having eyeletstherein for receivin the studs, said flaps when enfolded over theorelatively spaced to provide av small opemn into said container, andwhen so arrange the studs and eyelets defining a four-pomt release inrectangular arrangement, a flexible closure part? having eyelets at thecorners thereof in rectangular arrangement for receiving the studstherethrough to close-they opening to the main portion of saidcontainer, a smoperatively connected with t chute and positioned in theopening of the gle rip cord device including iexible branch extensionswith locking ins releasably engaging through said stu s vfor retainingthe eyelets 'of the flaps and cover assembled and the containerenclosed, a main parachute compacted in the container, and a pilotparachute e main paramain portion of the container beneath the ilexiblecover of the container so as to be released upon removal of theflexiblecover.

ERWIN H, NICHOLS.

